Hidden strength of Bengals’ roster just took a hit and there was nothing they could’ve done to stop it
The Cincinnati Bengals had not one, but two highly experienced backup quarterbacks behind MVP candidate Joe Burrow through the first nine weeks of the regular season. They are now down to one.
The Cincinnati Bengals had not one, but two highly experienced backup quarterbacks behind MVP candidate Joe Burrow through the first nine weeks of the regular season. They are now down to one.
ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reports the Arizona Cardinals are signing QB Josh Johnson off of Cincinnati’s practice squad.
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Bengals’ quarterback depth shrinks entering second half of 2026 season
Johnson was originally signed by the Bengals back in March. The club wanted to bring in a veteran backup behind Burrow while Joe Flacco was still weighing his options in free agency. Flacco ended up coming back to Cincinnati anyways, and Johnson became the No. 3 QB during the entire offseason.
It was a great problem to have. Johnson had a case for being the best QB3 in the NFL for months. He played well during the preseason in August, and yet no other franchise signed him to be their QB2 when he was released during roster cutdown day.
The Bengals were lucky to bring Johnson back on their practice squad. Having both him and Flacco behind Burrow was such a luxury, and made the QB room arguably the best in the league. Even if Johnson wasn’t on the active roster, his presence in the building and experience of nearly 20 years playing professional ball were valuable on their own.
Needed roster moves to come
Johnson’s departure to the desert, opens up another vacancy for Cincinnati’s practice squad. The unit is down to 14 players, not including tight end Josh Kattus, who is on the Practice Squad/Injured list.
The Bengals still have QB and former St. Xavier High School star Sean Clifford on the practice squad, so there are still three passers with lockers inside Paycor Stadium. It would not be surprising to see a fourth enter the building this week, along with another player at another position.
Cincinnati also still has an open spot on its active roster. The vacancy has existed since rookie defensive end Cashius Howell was placed on the Reserve/Injured list last week. Expect that spot to be filled in some manner before Sunday arrives when the Bengals take on the Pittsburgh Steelers.
